The Complete Guide to Buying Cardio Equipment for Gyms
The U.S. gym industry makes about $35 billion in revenue every year, proving that the market is wide with plenty of opportunities. Considering how financially sound and rewarding the industry is, it's no wonder more and more passionate fitness entrepreneurs are opening exercise facilities all across the country.
When establishing a gym, you must consider several key factors, including location, facility, insurance and equipment. This buying guide will help you explore what types of cardio machines to buy and compare new versus refurbished options for commercial gyms.
Important Factors for Buying Cardio Equipment for Your Gym
When choosing the perfect equipment for your gym, there are many factors to consider. Let's look at a few.
Space
The first thing you should figure out is how much space you have in your gym to dedicate to cardio equipment. Remember that a significant amount of space will be taken up by non-equipment areas like lobbies, bathrooms and changing rooms.
You will need plenty of space for other types of equipment, like strength training equipment and reformers. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends prioritizing 45 to 75 square feet per piece of equipment.
Maintenance
Choosing high-quality cardio gym equipment is essential for easy maintenance. Consistently performing upkeep tasks is key to maintaining your cardio gym equipment, keeping it in good working condition and ensuring its longevity. For most cardio machines, ensure you factor in daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly cleaning and maintenance duties.
The following offers a brief overview of the maintenance you need for common cardio machines:
- Treadmills: Wipe down surfaces daily. Check the belt alignment and emergency stop key function weekly. Lubricate parts and check the power cord for any wear and tear monthly.
- Ellipticals: Clean the handles and consoles daily. Tend to track rollers where the rollers move weekly. Inspect the bearings in the pedals and arms monthly. Test and calibrate the resistance system quarterly.
- Exercise bikes: Clean the seat, console and handlebars after every use. Once a month, tighten the pedals and crank arms, inspect the belt drive and check the chain tension. Test the brake pads every quarter.
Budget
Purchasing new gym equipment isn't cheap, so it's important to make sure you explore the right options for you and set aside a proper budget. To start, you can compare buying new fitness equipment, leasing it, or finding quality deals on refurbished equipment.
Buying refurbished machines from a top-quality refurbisher is the best choice for balancing quality and cost. Purchasing like-new, refurbished gym equipment allows you to get equipment from some of the best brands on the market for a fraction of the price!
New vs. Refurbished Gym Equipment
Refurbished gym equipment refers to used options that have been cleaned, restored and customized so that it is like new. With refurbished machines, you get the same quality you expect from newer options but without having to spend on the latest commercial cardio equipment.
New gym equipment has a host of benefits — you get the latest technology and features, durability, aesthetic appeal and lower maintenance requirements.
You can enjoy many of the same benefits as buying new with quality refurbished options. Quality refurbished equipment is restored and customized to look and function like new, so you still have all the features, aesthetic value and durability you would find in new models.
Better yet, purchasing used gym equipment has lower upfront costs, allowing you to enjoy excellent value.
Types of Cardio Equipment for Commercial Gyms
There are several different kinds of cardio machines that can raise your heart rate. It's important to focus on the needs of your target market and do proper research on what kind of cardio machines they want to use when they come to your gym. Let's take a look at the most popular types.
Treadmills
Treadmills are a staple of most gyms. These work by pushing a moving platform with a conveyor belt that allows users to walk or run in place. They are very easy to use and can work at different speeds and inclines. This allows users to keep their heart rate consistent throughout their workout. Treadmills are a great training aid for marathons and road races. They are typically very versatile with different workouts and can keep things fresh for your gym attendees. They are often seen as the best cardio machine for burning calories, so they're great for people looking to lose weight.
Ellipticals
Elliptical machines allow users to get a workout somewhere in between the circular motion of a bicycle and the flat motion of a treadmill. You can customize the speed, resistance, and intensity of these machines. Unlike treadmills, they also involve the upper body, giving users a full-body workout. These machines aren't as intense as other cardio machines, but these low-impact cardio machines put much less stress on the knees and joints.
Exercise Bikes
As the name suggests, these machines copy the motion of outdoor biking with pedals and seats. However, there are several different kinds of exercise bikes to choose from: upright, indoor cycling, and recumbent.
Upright bikes keep you in a conventional riding position with no back support. They usually have handlebars and front displays. Recumbent bikes seat users in a reclined position in a wider, more comfortable seat. The pedals are further in front, which evens out body weight distribution. These are great for people with back issues, joint problems, or other injuries.
ndoor cycling bikes give a closer experience to actual outdoor cycling. They are designed to let riders sit and stand for high-intensity interval training. These are the bikes you usually find in fitness classes. If you are planning on buying exercise bikes for your gym, make sure to find the best deals possible.
Rowing Machines
These machines simulate watercraft rowing. This motion uses your entire body and is often seen as one of the most effective cardio machines. They use your arms and back much more than other types of cardio equipment. They are also great for engaging your core muscles and building coordination.
Stair Climbers and Steppers
Everyone knows climbing stairs is a great workout. These machines allow you to strengthen and tone your lower body while getting a great cardio workout at the same time. The machine positions users in an upright position, which means they also get a core stabilizing workout.
Find the Perfect Refurbished Cardio Equipment for Your Gym
Buying the right cardio equipment will transform your gym and your users' experience. At Global Fitness, we offer affordable remanufactured and customized fitness equipment. We have a range of top cardio gym machines, strength training equipment and gym packages to suit your needs.
Are you ready to buy quality cardio equipment at the right price? Browse remanufactured gym equipment or get in touch with us for any additional assistance today.
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